Jarrett, Andrew - A Centre Court Star

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Belper-born Andrew Jarrett - big-time tennis referee. A ready smile and a Derbyshire sense of humour are perfect for when the rain pours down at Wimbledon.

In the summer of 2005 Belper-born ANDREW JARRETT became 'the most famous referee in the world' - or so the position has been described - when the celebrated Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships referee Alan Mills retired after 23 years in the high-profile and often thankless role.

Andrew, born in 1958, was appointed as his replacement. And even as this entry is being keyed in, he is making difficult and not always popular decisions - just ten minutes ago at Wimbledon 2007 he curtailed play for the evening in a cliff-hanging match between Tim Henman and Carlos Moya - needless to say Jarrett was booed mercilessly by the Centre Court crowd, despite it being almost dark at the time! He will face many more such decisions in the days and years to come - assuming he stays in the post for the forseeable future, which for now is the plan.

His qualifications for the role are perfect, for he was himself a player of note, and understands the needs of today's tennis stars. He was brought up in Derby and was a child tennis prodigy by the age of seven or eight. He went on to play for Derbyshire and the British Davis Cup team.

He played in the Men's Singles tournament at Wimbledon (1977-83) and in each of the other three Grand Slam events, the French, U.S. and Australian open tournaments. Although he never won a 'major' he progressed to the later stages of a number of tournaments and did especially well in Doubles events - his particular memories are of going a set up against John McEnroe in a junior tournament and being a practice buddy to Bjorn Borg - not bad for a Belper lad!

As well as seeing his face frequently on the television during Wimbledon fortnight, keen-eyed sports fans may also spot him at Pride Park, or indeed on any ground where the Rams are playing, for Andrew Jarrett is a self-confessed Derby County nut who has travelled to all 92 of the Football League grounds. No part-time supporter he.

That being the case, who are we to argue with the man responsible for sanctioning the toughest line in world sport? -'Ladies and gentlemen, play is suspended'!

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